Winners announced for the 2018 Bushcare Landcare Awards

Hawkesbury City Council recently hosted the 21st annual Bushcare and Landcare Awards at McMahon Park, Kurrajong to applaud the environmental volunteers of the Hawkesbury for their efforts in 2018.

The Awards were held in partnership with Hawkesbury River County Council, Hawkesbury Bushcare and the Hawkesbury Landcare Network. Nine awards were presented by Councillor Amanda Kotlash to many worthy and hardworking groups and individuals.

The highest honour of the day, Environmental Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Patricia O’Toole for her strong commitment to the restoration of natural areas in the Kurrajong area through the techniques of bushland regeneration. This award is presented to a volunteer who shows inspiring commitment and dedication to the Hawkesbury environment.

Mrs O’Toole’s has been recognised through her persistence, dedication and passion in restoring the natural areas of Kurrajong for more than 14 years. Her passion and involvement has been involved with Mill Road Bushcare (Singletons Reserve) and Matheson Park Bushcare; a true stalwart to Hawkesbury Bushcare.

Charles Kemp Reserve Bushcare was awarded the Environmental Group of the Year for their efforts in promoting the preservation and improvement of the Charles Kemp Reserve with specific on target weed removal of Mother of Millions and the innovation of Geocaching through Bushland Regeneration. Volunteer numbers have ranged from 9 to 26 people each month with a major focus on education in bushland regeneration.

The geocaching concept at Charles Kemp Reserve was the brainchild of Gillean Miller three years ago and the group has gone from strength to strength ever since. Mrs Miller should be extremely proud for their consistency and commitment to their local environment.

Other Awards presented on the night recognised the efforts of outstanding volunteers and groups:

• The Hawkesbury Community Nursery Green Thumb Award – Laurie Camilleri

• 10 Years Long Service to Bushcare – Merv Sharkie

• 10 Years Long Service to Bushcare & Landcare – Janet Fox

• The Super Scriber Scripting Award – Wendy Lawson and Richie Benson

• Rookie of the Year – Windsor Wharfies Bushcare

• Certificate of Appreciation for Koala Fest @ Kurrajong, Saturday, 15 September 2018 – Hawkesbury Koala Working Group

The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Barry Calvert praised all the winners and their work.

“Congratulations to all the winners of an award at the Bushcare and Landcare Awards,” the Mayor said.

“It’s fabulous that Council, along with all the other agencies, is able to recognise the outstanding achievements of our tireless volunteers.

“It is important that Bushcare and Landcare groups continue to be recognised as vital for the Hawkesbury.

“The Hawkesbury Community Nursery Volunteer Group has 20 active volunteers who have grown over 40,000 plants over the past year,” he said.

“They have also contributed over 1800 hours of voluntary work at the nursery and they all provide valuable services by protecting and enhancing our natural environment.

“I hope everyone enjoyed the awards and the Volunteer Christmas Party at McMahon Park.”

Everyone is welcome to visit their local Bushcare or Landcare group as well as the Hawkesbury Community Nursery and lend a hand. If you are interested in getting involved, contact Martin Gauci, Council’s Community Bushcare Officer on 4560 4525 [email protected] or Xuela Sledge, Local Landcare Coordinator for the Hawkesbury Landcare Network on email: [email protected] or 0410 616 139.

The Community Nursery Group meets every Wednesday at 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave (next to the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter) from 9am to 1pm, excluding the Christmas period. To express your interest to join this group, email [email protected] or call 4560 4651